CHINA and the Philippines will always be "good neighbors, good friends, and good partners," President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, November 20, said during his expanded bilateral meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Xi reaffirmed China's good ties with the Philippines, as he embarked on a two-day state visit to Manila upon Duterte's invitation.

"Mr. President , I agree with what you have said in your opening markers that my visit will be a milestone in the history of exchange between our two countries. And the two of us working together to open a new chapter in the bilateral relations," Xi told Duterte.

"I am ready to work with you to chart the course for the future development of our relations from a strategic perspective, deeper friendship, and cooperation so that our two countries will always be good neighbors, good friends and good partners that enjoy common debt and prosperity," he added.

The relations between the Philippines and China have improved under Duterte's watch.

Prior to the two leaders' bilateral meeting, the Chinese leader wrote in the guest book: "Long live for the kind friendship of Philippines and China."

Duterte, for his part, said Xi's visit to the Philippines "is more than a reciprocal visit."

He said he was expecting to have "fruitful discussions" with Xi, as they review the progress the two nations have made and chart the course "to further enhance partnership in the spirit of friendship, mutual understanding and respect for sovereign equality."

"It is a historic occasion, the very first state visit to be made by Chinese president in 13 years," Duterte said.

"Today therefore is a landmark moment in our shared history. We have turned a new page and we are ready to write a new chapter of openness and cooperation," he added.

Xi said he was satisfied over the growth in the Philippines and China's relations.

"Over the past two years since you took office, we had in-depth exchange on views on Philippine-China relationship, and issues of common interests, cemented our friendship and common understanding," the Chinese leader said.

"We are each other's good friends. Thanks to our joint efforts, we have made productive results in cooperation in all areas, bringing benefits to our two peoples, making contribution to peace and stability of the region," he added. (SunStar Philippines)